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Aspiring teachers often have many questions about this career field that the are on the threshold of entering. This book presents and answers those questions in an easy-to-read format to help readers begin their journey of becoming a professional teacher.With contributions from high-performing teachers, readers are provided with practical advice for meeting the complex challenges of teaching. The book begins with a focus on teachers and teaching, helping readers determine if teaching is a good choice for them. It continues with discussion of the foundations of education (historical, social, cultural, etc.) and then moves to exploring student characteristics and the worlds of the classroom and the school. The book concludes by considering the trends that will impact the quest to become an effective teacher.

Preface

xv

Teaching: Your Chosen Profession

3

(30)

Focus Questions

3

(2)

Why Do You Want to Teach?

5

(1)

Desire to Work with Children and Young People

5

(1)

Keepers of the Dream

6

(1)

Anne Sullivan Macy

Love of Teaching

6

(1)

Love of Subject

7

(1)

Love of the Teaching Life

7

(1)

Love of the Teaching-Learning Process

7

(1)

Influence of Teachers

7

(1)

Desire to Serve

8

(1)

Professional Reflection: Assessing Your Reasons for Choosing to Teach

8

(1)

Practical Benefits of Teaching

9

(3)

Salaries and Benefits

9

(1)

Job Security and Status

10

(2)

What Are the Challenges of Teaching?

12

(1)

Classroom Management

12

(1)

Social Problems that Impact Students

12

(1)

Need for Family and Community Support

13

(1)

Issues in Education

14

(1)

Long Working Hours and Job Stress

15

(1)

Gaining Professional Empowerment

16

(1)

What Is Teaching Really Like?

16

(7)

The Unpredictability of Outcomes

17

(1)

Students' Responses

17

(1)

Results in the Future

18

(1)

The Difficulty of Measurement

19

(1)

The Need for Teacher-Student Partnership

19

(1)

The Impact of the Teachers' Attitudes

20

(1)

The Drama and Immediacy of Teaching

21

(1)

The Uniqueness of the Teaching Experience

22

(1)

What Does Society Expect of Teachers?

23

(1)

The Public Trust

23

(1)

Teacher Competency and Effectiveness

24

(1)

Teacher Accountability

24

(1)

How Do Good Teachers View Their Work?

25

(1)

A Way of Being

25

(1)

Dear Mentor: Novice and Expert Teachers on Characteristics of a Great Teacher

26

(1)

A Creative Endeavor

27

(1)

A Live Performance

27

(1)

A Form of Empowerment

27

(1)

An Opportunity to Serve

28

(1)

As Keepers of the Dream

28

(1)

Summary

28

(2)

Key Terms and Concepts

30

(1)

Applications and Activities

30

(1)

Teacher's Journal

30

(1)

Teacher's Database

30

(1)

Observations and Interviews

31

(1)

Professional Portfolio

31

(2)

Learning to Teach

33

(30)

Focus Questions

33

(1)

What Essential Knowledge Do You Need to Teach?

34

(1)

Self-Knowledge

34

(1)

Knowledge of Students

35

(1)

Professional Reflection: Inventorying Your Teaching Experiences

36

(1)

Knowledge of Subject

36

(1)

Knowledge of Methods for Applying Educational Theory and Research

37

(1)

What Are Five Ways of Viewing the Teacher Knowledge Base?

38

(1)

A Personal Development View

38

(1)

Research-Based Competencies

39

(1)

State Standards

39

(1)

A Job-Analysis Approach

40

(1)

Professional Views

40

(1)

How Do Reforms in Teacher Education Affect You?

41

(1)

Dear Mentor: Novice and Expert Teachers on Teaching as a Profession

42

(1)

Increased Academic Preparation

43

(1)

Expanded Role for Schools

43

(1)

National Certification

43

(1)

Keepers of the Dream

44

(1)

Caroline Bitterwolf

How Can You Gain Practical Experience for Becoming a Teacher?

45

(1)

Classroom observations

45

(1)

Classroom Experiences

46

(1)

Microteaching

46

(1)

Simulations

46

(1)

Video Cases

47

(1)

practia

47

(1)

Classroom Aides

47

(1)

Student Teaching

47

(2)

Student Teacher Journal Writing

48

(1)

Reflective Teaching Logs

48

(1)

Induction and Internship Programs

49

(1)

School-Based Teacher Education

50

(1)

Substitute Teaching

50

(1)

How Can You Develop Your Teaching Portfolio?

51

(1)

Porttolio Contents

52

(1)

Using a Portfolio

52

(1)

How Can You Establish Mentoring Relationship?

53

(1)

What Opportunities for Continuing Professional Development Will You Have?